Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Sam drove into the parking lot, onfident that he hadn't been followed and went into the bar. It was a hot day for october, screaming hot, in fact, and Sam relaxed at the feel of the cool air inside. He walked to the bar, tosses out a 'hello' to his favorite bartender Mike, and pulled up a stool. All he wanted was peace and quiet, just a place to relax and enjoy the company of some, more or less, friendly strangers, who happen to be passing through life, at this place, at this time just as he was. He just wanted to be left alone, without anything that might lead to any problem. He wanted peace. He ordered a beer. His friend Mike was already bringing one before the words were out of his mouth. He was a regular and enjoyed the perks."Rough week, Sam?" Mike asked."Rough month, Mike."They talked of the Halloween party that was coming soon. They bet on who they thought might win the 'Sexiest costume' award, any nonsense they thought of and nothing important at all to keep it light and insignificant.

Sam looked at the door as it opened, and there she was. She had the body of the progeny of a linebacker and a porno queen, with eyes Charlie Manson would love to fear. He tried to look away as fast as he could, but they made eye contact. She immediately made a bee-line for his position at the bar. He tried to make himself small. It didn't work."You're the guy I'm looking for!" she said to me."No, I'm not that guy," Sam said, hoping it would deflect her away."No, You ARE the exact guy I am looking for!" she exclaimed with a big, and horrible smile on her face."I was, maybe, but I'm sure as shit not anymore!" he said, hoping she would leave him alone. "I retired!""No, you're the guy. As soon as I saw yu I knew I needed YOUR help and none other!" she countered.In her defense, who knows if she knew who or what he was. He had spent years as a contract this, or a freelance that. He'd been an engineer, written songs, took photos. He was an architect, a bartender, and a writer. Sam had sailed from the Bahamas to Belize, and trekked from Luckenback to, Hell, ALL the Hill Country venues. Most recently he was a bounty hunter, mostly anyways!

He felt he was losing the argument. He bowed up and proclaimed, "So, what if I AM that guy?!"I'm in trouble," she said, and then she started to cry. Sam reacted like all men do, "What's wrong?" he asked...

~~~

The Case of Section 950, Seat E-14:

A Sam Cloudstone Novella

By Jimmy Martin

Get ready for a Fun Read!

A full-blooded Comanche, Sam has not really found his place in today's world. But, he's made his way through a number of occupations that have kept him fed. But when he meets Melissa Steinhardt, his life changes just by being around her! (Note that I couldn't find any Comanche actors, so I hope you agree with those I've chosen...I think you'll recognize both!)

It was funny since we never know whether Melissa had just chosen Sam randomly or he just looked like somebody who would help--and she needed it right away. Men were following her and she quickly led him to her car--a Porsche--to immediately move on and away...

For all Sam knew, she could have been a serial killer, since he had no idea where they were going and she was one wild woman! So Sam decided to take control of the situation, demanded who she was and what was going on. That's when he learned that her brother was in trouble, and probably already captured. Now they were after her and the only thing she had as a clue was a can of WWII C rations.

She looked at him with fiery hot eyes that could melt stone.

"They are after my brother, and I think they already have him. All I have is this." She showed him what, for all the world, looked like a can of World War 2 C-rations. There were some letters scratched onto the top. The letters and numbers etched were:

"11 20 78 MNF 950 E 14"

He looked at the series of numbers and thought that something about them was oddly familiar. He decided that he would figure it out later and stay focused on the imminent danger. He knew in his gut it would come to mind anyways and he could determine the relevance then...

"Tell me just exactly what you've gotten me into," Sam demanded of her. He drew in a deep breath and more gently continued, "and why c-rations?"

~~~

Sam was able to figure out what the message was and Sam and Melissa were soon on their way... the only thing is that the place to which the message referred to a football game held on November 20, 1978, and the Astrodome was no longer used for football! But that didn't stop Sam from some interesting memories...

At that moment, Sam felt really old and realized she looked like some kind of high school teenager. At least one with a smoking hot body! His mind began drifting off to images of a cheerleader outfit he'd seen looking online for the Halloween party, he quickly chased those thoughts away...

It didn't take long for them to find out the disposition of the seats in the Astrodome...only to complicate the whole case...because not only were they being chased by those who had Melissa's brother, they now had to find a way to get close to the seat now owned by a Oilers super fan who also happened to be a super-rich drug lord!

In addition to the chase now going on, a twist takes readers into the background of what happened 70 years ago, in May 1945, in a little pub, "De Kleine Donig, in Wiesbaden...

...If we had attacked Scotland, instead of Germany, you would not only have an entire squad of Highlander's around you, you would probably have married one of them by now!" Heinrick replied.

March chuckled. "You're probably right. Well, since I'm hammering on your anyway, why are you always carving little notes on those old used C-Ration cans? Why don't you just use a piece of paper and a pencil like everyone else?"

"Pieces of paper I lose, but I can feel a C-Ration can in my pocket. Anyway, sometimes I do use paper, but I carry them around in my C-Ration can."

Fortunately Sam is normally ahead of what's happening, even to the point of making a call, "Kobayashe Maru, Kobayashi Maru, 2 hours." and simply getting "Understood."

While this may be a shorter book, the surprises keep coming all the way through and even Sam and Melissa quickly get into a sexual relationship with Melissa as the instigator...until Sam decides to take over control there as well...

"No Mike, that's not necessary. "Thistime, I AM that guy!"

And when the mystery has been solved and Sam heads back to the Devil's Backbone Tavern, to spend some time with Mike, his favorite bartender, once again, a "crazy woman bursts" in and comes racing over to say, "You're the guy!"

We've got one lone American Indian up against our government, a drug lord, with criminals coming out from everywhere. Sam is just what he says...he's trying to make it in today's world, without not too many of his people still around... I really enjoyed his character.

Now Melissa was something totally "wild" as the author said...It's a wonder she just didn't take her gun and take on everybody around by herself! She's bound to get your attention. I liked her a lot and, if the ending of this book ends as it seems, then I'm hoping both of these characters come back in a new mystery realllll soon! Enjoy this one!

GABixlerReviews

I was born in the 50's and therefore was a child of the 70's. Born and raised in Houston, I have lived in or around the Houston area all of my life. Like my main character Sam Cloudstone, I am a graduate Mechanical Engineer from Texas A&M University. Having attended there in the late 70's, I experienced an early adulthood much different than kids do today. We had no technology like what exists today, so we were much more dependent on our own insanity for our entertainment. I made many crazy friends, and I am proud to say that I still keep up with most of them.

I became an avid reader as soon as there wasn't some professor forcing me to read. It has always been a goal of mine to become a writer. My earliest heroes were the likes of Hunter S. Thompson, Douglas Adams, and Tom Clancy, but over the years I have read everything I could get from Hemingway to Kinky Friedman.

I've always liked adventure novels, but I have always been a sucker for a good joke. Many of the characters in my first book, and hopefully subsequent books to come, are inspired by real friends and acquaintances.

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Here's BRH Feedback--Cool!

6/17 Just saw your review on Amazon and then visited your site. Holy Smoke! As usual, I was amazed at what a fabulous job you did, reviewing the book and adding in all that related material. I was particularly thrilled that you included the book trailer I put on Utube. You adding it to your review made me very happy. In fact, I had a big smile on my face the whole time I looked at what you'd done. I even listened to the violin concerto and watched the video of Dog Hill. Every year it gets harder and harder to bring a new book to the attention of potential readers. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have you as an ally in that endeavor. Thank you so much for all you do for me and for other writers. There's no-one else like you. And that's no exaggeration.With profound gratitude, I remain, Your Friend, Don

Thank you. Your commitment to your craft is wonderful. Whether it's one star or 5, your reviews are detailed, considerate, and most of all, beneficial to the prospective reader.

What an amazing presentation. Stellar. I never expected anything like that.

Do you have a separate link that I can share? I'd love to post this everywhere I can. You did such a fabulous job.cheers Connie

Thank you so much for your glowing review of my new book. Your review really highlighted all the things that I try to incorporate in my books - they're the very things I want as a reader. I'm nearly finished writing the next book in the series - Walker and Munoz are back, and interestingly as you referenced in your review, this time it's personal. Again, thank you.

I'd read your amazing review before I looked at my Facebook page and was blessed. Hitting the link you posted, I was surprised for few would have gone to so much trouble, fewer still know that Lauren Bacall (born Betty Joan Perske) was Sephardic and bequeathed a large amount of primary source information about the Sephardim to a university, which I was able to view online when corroborating Naomi's story. Your review stands as one of the highlights of this profoundly dyslectic authors’ life. Thank & bless you heart emoticon

I thought I'd reach out to you for your heartfelt review on my novel. It was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes that someone was so moved by my tale... That it resonated that deeply with someone. Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone. Signed...

Wow, this is the most awesome blog post I've ever seen. Thank you for writing it! grin emoticon

I was thrilled with the details you offered in my review - like a literary movie trailer built on suspense and intrigue. I'm glad you're still reviewing books by aspiring authors like me. We need people like you! Keep up the good work and maintain that passion, Glenda!

Words fail me. Hi Glenda, I visited your review website today and was thrilled to see your marvelous features relating to Ms. Cramer's book. I passed them along to the author, and she is very excited and deeply grateful for your attention.

Your review of the book is wonderfully anecdotal and insightful, and it will be helpful I believe as an introduction to readers approaching Ms. Cramer's work for the first time. I found the opening of the review to be quite touching, with a wonderful sense of personal experience that I believe is all too often missing in critical review publication. In the context of the article, your remembrances from childhood add a truly beautiful layer to the photopoem you present.We're very impressed by what you put together using the press kit materials, and we will do our best to provide exposure for your features through our mailing list and other avenues.I do look forward to reading your articles in the future.We appreciate your considering our book and thank you very much for your fine and generous review coverage,

Saw the review and treatment of THE BLOOD BETRAYAL on your site. Once again, you've amazed me with what you do. Fantastic, fabulous… No, those words aren't good enough to describe your work and you.

I wrote up a short piece about what you did, directing people to your site from mine. That was really interesting and something I've never seen anyone do before. Great job, and I'm glad you enjoyed the novel.

Yo my truly heartfelt thank you for your very generous and kind review! I appreciate very much the time and effort you put into this review for me, and your so graciously posting it in multiple locations.

Your blogsite is extremely professional and well-done! What you posted for me there has completely blown me away!

Thank you again very much for such a comprehensive and thoroughly entertaining review. It's one of the best reviews I have received and I'm very proud to have it. Most Gratefully,

Glenda, You review blew my mind. When I listened to the songs you inserted, they brought tears to my eyes. You added a dimension to my work that was missing. In the attachment I have attempted to answer your question about anger. Thank you so much for your raving review. There are no words in the English language to express the gratitude I feel for you. I wish you a wonderful and blessed day.

I've been sitting in my chair for nearly fifteen minutes, stuck in an infinite loop of visual digestion and stunned amazement because of what you put together on your site for The Doppler Affect review. The time alone that you put into crafting the page is humbling, but the creativity and flair adds a layer I've never seen in reviews. Of course, the frosting of your very positive evaluation makes it the best cake I've eaten yet! I was also amazed at how you could step away from any biases due to your preferred genre and frame it for others...thank you. My newest book, Patriot's Point, will be released imminently. The publisher wants to know if I knew of any one in particular who has blogs or review sites that I would want to use. I immediately thought of you. Thanks, Doug

Glenda, I am truly in awe of your reviews and your review style. I have never seen anyone do a review as you can do one. I was entertained, informed, enlightened and amazed. There should be awards for creative, insightful and captivating reviews -- and you should be a recipient. Thanks for reviewing my book. And thanks for giving it an aura and image and feel that only your review could give it. I am very appreciative. All the best, Patrick

During the period of time that you requested my story, I also had other blog sites asking for the book as well. I had received three eviews prior to yours, and although I am very happy to report that all three were positive and enthusiastic, your entire presentation of the book, from the actual commentary to the ambitious visuals, blew me away and has left me emotionally weak-kneed in gratitude. I am extremely touched by all that you had to say and how you visually presented the concept of the book. Please note that I will place your website on the book's Facebook page which will hopefully bring your blog site more readership. Again, please know how grateful I am for your emotionally thrilling review. You have certainly made my day, Glenda! With much appreciation, Author/The Poe Consequence

I wanted to make sure I got a chance to properly thank you for posting the wonderful review of The Medici Boy! It was terrific, not just because you like the book (thank you) but because your analysis was thoughtful and honest. You put your heart into it, (Photos were out of this world) and you wrote like a friend would (we think that’s the very best kind of review). I appreciate your time and passion for literature! We’ve been promoting the site, since you went live, and we’re going to continue to promote your site on Social Media throughout the month. Senior Publicist Blue Dot Literary

Dear Glenda, I have to start this response with a BIG WOW! I have been very gratified with my experience as a new writer for both my books now and am working on a third. However, your review is like nothing I've ever seen, and I consider it a great piece of writing and creativity in itself. Thank you so very much for your kind words and treatment of Millstone. Once again, thank you for this review. I plan to pass it on in every venue available to me. My best wishes to you JackH

Thank you so much for your glowing review of my new book. Your review really highlighted all the things that I try to incorporate in my books - they're the very things I want as a reader. I'm nearly finished writing the next book in the series - Walker and Munoz are back, and interestingly as you referenced in your review, this time it's personal. Again, thank you.

I'd read your amazing review before I looked at my Facebook page and was blessed. Hitting the link you posted, I was surprised for few would have gone to so much trouble, fewer still know that Lauren Bacall (born Betty Joan Perske) was Sephardic and bequeathed a large amount of primary source information about the Sephardim to a university, which I was able to view online when corroborating Naomi's story. Your review stands as one of the highlights of this profoundly dyslectic authors’ life. Thank & bless you heart emoticon

I thought I'd reach out to you for your heartfelt review on my novel. It was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes that someone was so moved by my tale... That it resonated that deeply with someone. Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone. Signed...

JAFV I am stunned...

Wow, this is the most awesome blog post I've ever seen. Thank you for writing it! grin emoticon

I was thrilled with the details you offered in my review - like a literary movie trailer built on suspense and intrigue. I'm glad you're still reviewing books by aspiring authors like me. We need people like you! Keep up the good work and maintain that passion, Glenda!

Words fail me.

Hi Glenda, I visited your review website today and was thrilled to see your marvelous features relating to Ms. Cramer's book. I passed them along to the author, and she is very excited and deeply grateful for your attention.

Your review of the book is wonderfully anecdotal and insightful, and it will be helpful I believe as an introduction to readers approaching Ms. Cramer's work for the first time. I found the opening of the review to be quite touching, with a wonderful sense of personal experience that I believe is all too often missing in critical review publication. In the context of the article, your remembrances from childhood add a truly beautiful layer to the photopoem you present.We're very impressed by what you put together using the press kit materials, and we will do our best to provide exposure for your features through our mailing list and other avenues.I do look forward to reading your articles in the future.We appreciate your considering our book and thank you very much for your fine and generous review coverage,

Saw the review and treatment of THE BLOOD BETRAYAL on your site. Once again, you've amazed me with what you do. Fantastic, fabulous… No, those words aren't good enough to describe your work and you.

I wrote up a short piece about what you did, directing people to your site from mine. That was really interesting and something I've never seen anyone do before. Great job, and I'm glad you enjoyed the novel.

..my truly heartfelt thank you for your very generous and kind review! I appreciate very much the time and effort you put into this review for me, and your so graciously posting it in multiple locations.

Your blogsite is extremely professional and well-done! What you posted for me there has completely blown me away!

Thank you again very much for such a comprehensive and thoroughly entertaining review. It's one of the best reviews I have received and I'm very proud to have it. Most Gratefully,

You review blew my mind. When I listened to the songs you inserted, they brought tears to my eyes. You added a dimension to my work that was missing. In the attachment I have attempted to answer your question about anger. Thank you so much for your raving review. There are no words in the English language to express the gratitude I feel for you. I wish you a wonderful and blessed day. James Womack

WOW! What a beautiful post you did for ALMOST PERFECT ON YOUR I can’t imagine how much time you must have taken to create some thing so imaginative and special. I feel truly humbled and touched and quite unequal to saying how much it meant to me. A real present. You must be a very special person. I wish you were my neighbor and we could have a real chat over coffee. Maybe someday. But meanwhile know how wonderful your work made me feel and buoyed to keep on keeping on! Diane

I wanted to make sure I got a chance to properly thank you for posting the wonderful review of The Medici Boy! It was terrific, not just because you like the book (thank you) but because your analysis was thoughtful and honest. You put your heart into it, (Photos were out of this world) and you wrote like a friend would (we think that’s the very best kind of review). I appreciate your time and passion for literature! We’ve been promoting the site, since you went live, and we’re going to continue to promote your site on Social Media throughout the month. Senior Publicist Blue Dot Literary